Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Makeup Mimic

So I totally had a different post planned for Tuesday but as I was writing and getting ready to watch the Bachelorette, I noticed InStyle Magazine was interviewing my favorite gal, Emily Maynard, on Twitter about her favorite beauty products! And by golly (as Emily would say), did I not immediately Google every single product she mentioned!

Isn't it funny how when your favorite celeb wears or recommends something it instantly becomes worthy of purchase? Or is that just me? It got me thinking about how many beauty products I've purchased solely based because my favorite celeb has it. Please don't get me wrong, it's not like I have an endless amount of disposable income to just go out and buy Chanel foundation on a whim. These purchases were made over a long period of time and usually in replacement of my regular choice.

Celebrity Inspiration: Jennifer Aniston

"A personal library of Jennifer's scent memories, evoking memories of sunny days at the beach and happy summer nights. A captivating composition of light, blooming floral notes set against a sensual base of musk and woods."

My Expectations:

The Truth:

While it didn't give me a 6 pack or send Brad Pitt calling, I still love this fragrance. It's very lovely and light but not overly flowery. This was perfume was the first time I changed my "scent" in over 5 years and I'm glad I took the plunge. Will most likely buy this again next summer!

Celeb Inspiration: Emily Blunt

A flawless complexion in any light, Pro Lumiere stretches like a canvas that forms a curtain of light on the skin. Blended in completely, it offers a semi-matte and luminous translucent result. Less blended, it provides a smoothing effect with perfectly even skin and tighter pores.

My Expectations:

The Truth:

I purchased this for my wedding after watching my favorite gals from Pixiwoo SWOON over it every time they used it. I really like this foundation, but it's definitely not my #1 favorite. The texture is perfection however, as a girl with oily skin, it wears a little too dewy for all-day wear. It's perfect for someone with normal to dry skin. If interested, stock up now! Chanel is about to discontinue this cult favorite.

YSL: An object of desire, this award-winning lipstick is wrapped in a romantic, elegant gold case that exudes luxury. Each signature shade saturates lips in captivating color that’s intensely pigmented, and imparts an irresistible glossy shine

My Expectations:

The Truth:

Bingo bango! Dead on. Both lipsticks (one a splurge, the other a save) are fantastic. While the YSL is more of a $ commitment, if you've struggled to find the perfect light pink, consider your search over. But beware, it's really light. And it's not a long wear lipstick because it's so creamy. As for the Avon, it's a great go-to, every day lipstick. Perfect for the office or as a compliment to a dark, smokey eye.

Celeb Inspiration: Molly Mesnick

A quick and easy way to wake up tired-looking eyes is to apply white eyeliner to the inner corners of your eyes. The brow bone casts a dark shadow on this area so applying the light color helps to instantly brighten eyes. “It’s important to select a liner with luminosity (not chalky white) to widen the eyes and help make them sparkle,” says makeup-artist Mally Roncal.

My Expectations:

The Truth:

Another great purchase. These celebs (or reality stars) know their stuff! If you've ever watched QVC, you've probably seen Mally Beauty - she's on all the time. She does Beyonce's makeup and I think JLo as well. A white eye pencil is now a secret weapon in my beauty arsenal. I wasn't blessed with big eyes, so I need all the help I can get to make them look wide and awake. However, bad news...just discovered this is discontinued...but there are a ton of other options out there. Another great tip is to draw a white line just above your upper eyeliner (as Molly does here) to really make them pop!

Celeb Inspiration: Gwyneth Paltrow

Gorgeous shimmer and a high-shine glow is delivered effortlessly to lips with just one stroke of this best-selling lipgloss. Equally beautiful: the conditioning formula's comfort and long wear.

My Expectations:

The Truth:

If you know me, you know that Gwynnie is my fave. So yes, this purchase may have just been based on my love her for her. And yes, I'm 15 years old. I bought this lipgloss for my wedding and it was superb. The perfect balance of color and sparkle. I've used this on lots of my girlfriends and now they are always asking to borrow it when we are out.

Celeb Inspiration: Jennifer Lopez

Luxe metallics for eyes. The award-winning formula-infused with sparkle. For a sheer effect, blend on lids with your fingers. For a more dramatic look, add another layer. Or wear on top of your favorite matte cream shadow for soft shimmer. Stays color-true and crease-free all day

My Expectation:

The Truth:

While I love JLo, this was the look I was going for. It can be used to create an ultra-sexy look but I wanted more of a polished, dramatic look. However, this is the one purchase that I'm regretting. It's just hasn't worked for me. I think had I bought a lighter color, I wouldn't notice how much it creased throughout the day. But again, if you have more normal/dry skin, this could be the perfect eye product for you. It can be easily applied with your finger, no fancy brushes needed.

2 comments

Thanks for sharing these reviews! I've been curious about Chanel's foundation,but if this kind is being discontinued, I'll probably wait to try the new version - don't want to get hooked on something that's not around anymore! And the lip gloss looks gorgeous!

Thank you! I might be trying the Chanel Matte Lumiere next (which I should have tried in the first place). This video shows all the different varieties of Chanel foundations. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCnEjg0OrEw